Public service heroism

Earlier this week a group of West Virginia state employees saved a man’s life.

A five-man-crew from the Division of Highways noticed a truck drifting erratically on the highway. When they looked closer, they noticed the driver was slumped over the steering wheel. This Hancock County DOH crew quickly boarded the moving truck and stopped it before anyone else got hurt. After stopping busy highway traffic, together they moved the unresponsive driver to a grassy area. Fortunately, one employee is also an EMT and he helped the driver before an ambulance arrived. These five men risked their lives to help another. And they did so without hesitation.

I’m pleased to say that driver is recovering because of the quick thinking of our DOH crew. This is a dramatic story of heroism and of service-it’s one such story of the outstanding work our state employees provide to each and every West Virginian. There are many other similar, untold public service stories. These events not only resonate with the constituent who received the help-but with employee who delivered the much needed assistance.

This year, four state employees marked 50 years of service to the State of West Virginia. In that time, I can only imagine the number of West Virginians they’ve helped with quality, compassionate service. I recently had the opportunity to recognize them along with others who have more than 25 years of service. I reminded them that public service is a calling to work for the greater good-to put others before oneself. I asked them to remember that as they go about their daily work, behind every deadline and every project is a West Virginia family, child or senior citizen.

As Governor, I’m truly honored to work alongside a wide array of talented and dedicated individuals who strive every day to make West Virginia the best it can be. I’m grateful for the quick thinking and life-saving actions of this DOH crew and for all our state employees who work every day to better the lives of their fellow West Virginians.

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